Σάββατο, 2 Φεβρουαρίου 2013

Zeus’ Temple in Olympia Being Fixed

The temple
of Zeus in ancient Olympia has been partially reconstructed by
the German Archaeological Institute, a project officials there said is aimed at
contributing to a better understanding and awareness of this valuable monument.

Those visiting the monument
could have a view of the third dimension of the site after a column was
replaced back to its original position in 2004. By the end of November,, 2012,
the second stage of the reconstruction was finished aiming at presenting the
western opisthodomos to the visitors in a greater way.

It is noteworthy that 38
architectural pieces, which have been in place since the 19th Century, have
been removed. Furthermore, 12 wall ashlars were placed at the higher layer of
the toichobate of the western wall of the Cella. According to Archaiologia, the
jambs of the western anta were cleaned and the missing northern edge was
restored by titanium reinforcement and the use of the “in Bosse” cast
artificial mixture which was finally adjusted to the ancient surface.

When the restoration is
completed, it will be possible for the visitors to admire the monument in a
more completed way in order to estimate better the architectural members. The
restoration project started after the permission given by the Central
Archaeological Council, while the Leventis Foundation was the project’s
benefactor.